politics

Rick Ross Celebrates County Permit Approval Ahead Of Next Weekend’s Car Show

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Regardless of what officials in Fayetteville have to say, Rick Ross made it clear earlier this month that he’ll be hosting his annual car and bike show during the first weekend of June – permit approved or not. The rapper has previously held the event at his massive Promise Land estate in Georgia. However, for 2023’s festivities, his neighbours submitted a complaint requesting that he be prohibited from using his property for such matters. After some back-and-forth, it was initially declared that Ross would be denied their blessing. This resulted in him declaring his plans to run for mayor in the next election.

“It’s a private event on private property with VIPs and you’re invited. Tickets are still available online. It’s going to be a beautiful event. Shoutout to the beautiful city of Fayetteville,” the Mississippi native declared on his Instagram Story last week. Since then, it seems that he and the County Planning and Zoning Commission have come to agreeable terms. He proudly showed off a letter of approval from Director Deborah L. Bell on social media earlier this weekend.

Read More: Rick Ross Is Gifting $300,000 In Gold & Diamond Chains At His Car Show

Fayette County Grants Rick Ross Car Show Permit

“THE HATERS DEAD 😆,” Rozay wrote along with the exciting news. “WE UNSTOPPABLE.” One of the main concerns preventing Bell from signing the permit was traffic, which has been resolved by handing out passes to neighbours so that they can avoid the blockages. In addition, there will be 35 officers on site directing attendees around the area to ensure no problems arise. The Richer Than I Ever Been artist will be responsible for providing off-street parking and prohibited from using lighting for outdoor activities past 10 PM.

Even with a few restrictions placed on him, it still sounds as though the former correctional officer has big plans for his year’s event. Among them are live performances from the Biggest Boss himself and Gucci Mane, as well as over $300,000 in incredible prizes. Will you be attending Rick Ross’ annual car and bike show at the Promise Land next Saturday? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Rick Ross’ Biggest Beefs That Took Over Hip-Hop

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MAGA Faithful Fall For Currency Scam

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An investigation by NBC News has revealed a multi-faceted scam directed at diehard supporters of former President Donald Trump. According to their investigation, three companies based in Colorado have been scamming the reddest of the MAGA loyal by getting them to buy into a fake currency. There is no evidence that these companies are linked to Trump or his re-election.

Pro-Trump novelty items have been common since his election defeat in 2020. However, these items are more often than not clearly labeled as decorative or novelty items. Not Trump Bucks though. Pushed by three Colorado-based companies, Patriots Dynasty, Patriots Future, and USA Patriots, Trump Bucks were presented a something of a preparation for the future. Buying Trump Bucks allowed the purchaser to gain a standing in the “Trump Rebate Banking System” (TBR). This system, which Trump would purportedly announce upon retaking the White House in 2024, would turn the Trump Bucks into legal tender.

Trump Bucks Explained

The pitch was simple – buy Trump Bucks from one of the three companies and cash it in later. For example, $99.99 got you 10,000 Diamond Trump Bucks. Once the TBR was live, that card could be exchanged at any major bank or retailer for $10,000. The advertisements that the companies used in the scam claim that the Trump Bucks Membership Card can be used as legal tender in the United States.

The scam was spread using advertising that appear to show Trump and other figures such as Elon Musk promoting the product. These fraudulent endorsements were achieved through the use of vocal AI. “That Trump certificate is not a joke, it’s real. Everyone needs to get as many as they can. I spend one million dollars on Trump certificates and this week I’m going to cash out my Trump items. Soon I will be the richest person on the planet again,” an AI version of Musk says in one advertisement. Furthermore, people are legitimately falling for this. While total numbers are unclear, NBC spoke to one Houston man who had spent over $2000 on Trump Bucks, only to find that they were not in fact legal tender.

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Philly Bans Ski Masks On Public Transport

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SEPTA, the transit authority that oversees public transport in Philadelphia, has announced that it will be cracking down on riders wearing ski masks. The move comes after a number of violent incidents have occurred in the city, which police claim were perpetrated by individuals concealing their identity using ski masks and similar articles of clothing. As recently as May 24, a man was killed on a local bus after engaging in an argument with a man wearing a ski mask.

However, the move has been erroneously reported as a new ban on the article of clothing. Instead, a spokesperson for SEPTA stated that the ski masks and other non-religious articles of clothing that fully obscured a rider’s features had been on a prohibited items list for some time. While those rules had been lessened during the pandemic, the recent wake of violence has forced SEPTA’s hand. The policy enforcement comes along with a new head of the transit police, Charles Lawson. Additionally, Lawson wants more officers patrolling the transit system.

SEPTA Crackdown Coming

The ski mask, colloquially known as a “shiesty”, has become more and more common in recent years. It has become a rap scene staple, with many artists integrating it into their look. However, that isn’t much of a concern for Philly authorities. Riders caught wearing a ski mask will be removed from the transit system, but will not be charged or cited. Furthermore, this will only be enforced by transit police. Bus operators and station attendants will not be required to pursue enforcement of the policy.

However, Philadelphia is not the first to pursue this policy. Florida prohibits anyone above the age of 16 from wearing hoods or masks that conceal their identity in public. Meanwhile, West Virginia also prohibits masks and identity-concealing garb in certain public settings. There are of course exceptions – such as religious attire and COVID-19 masks. How do you feel about the new policy? Let us know in the comments. Get all the latest society news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Future Opens Atlanta STEM Learning Center

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According to a January 2023 report, just 20% of high school graduates are prepared for “college-level coursework in STEM majors.” STEM refers to the education and careers defined in the industry of “science, technology, engineering, and mathematics”. However, that 20% is presumably much lower in areas without sufficient or inequitable educational funding.

Legendary rapper Future was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, the Atlanta Metro area had been named one of the best areas for a STEM career. However, there is a great disparity between the corporate world and STEM education at the high school level. However, Future is now doing something to help fix the inequity at the high school level. According to a press release shared with Yahoo!, the rapper is founding the I Am A Dreamer STEM Lab at a school in Atlanta.

Future Founds STEM Lab

SUNRISE, FLORIDA – MARCH 17: Rapper Future performs during “On Big Party Tour” at FLA Live Arena on March 17, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

“It’s important that all students receive access to STEAM education regardless of their background,” the rapper said in a statement. “Our Freewishes Foundation, with the support of the 2K Foundations, has helped make this possible in our Atlanta community. We’re thankful for their commitment to support our initiative.” The Freewishes Foundation was founded about a decade ago and has been focused on helping communities in Georgia.

Furthermore, Tia Wilburn, Future’s sister and executive director of the foundation, gave additional comments. “We are creating a science technology, engineering, art, and mathematics lab as an extension of Freewishes’ educational initiative. We wanted to add art because both Future and I support creativity.” She continued, “Our objective in providing educational opportunities is to ensure inclusive and quality education for all students, regardless of income and background. There is a major gap in STEM education that impacts marginalized communities, and we want to close that gap so that no child is left behind.” Follow all the latest music and society news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Angel Reese Hugs FLOTUS, Player Faints At Wild White House Visit

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The day many thought might not happen finally arrived. There was always some doubt that LSU’s visit to the White House might not go ahead. Angel Reese, the team star and unofficial leader, very publicly beefed with the White House after comments made by Dr. Jill Biden. Reese went as far as to joke about visiting the Obamas instead before confirming that she would respect the team’s decision to visit the White House.

The first sports teams to be invited to the White House were two amateur baseball teams in 1865. It quickly became a tradition amongst professional teams. In 1976, the Indiana Hoosiers Men’s Basketball team became the first collegiate visitors to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It has since become an annual tradition for collegiate champions to visit the President in the months after their title.

LSU Mark Memorable White House Visit

Of course, the final chapter of the LSU’s White House saga wouldn’t be complete without a little drama. During President Biden’s remarks, freshman forward Sa’Myah Smith fainted. She was immediately swarmed by her team as the live stream cut out. However, President Biden could be heard reassuring the crowd. Later, Biden apologized, “It’s a lot of standing,” Biden said. “I apologize. It’s OK. It’s happened lots of times.” A few minutes later, head coach Kim Mulkey gave a quick update on Smith. “As you can see, we leave our mark where we go,” Mulkey said. “Sa’Myah planned that. No, Sa’Myah is fine, for those of you who are concerned. I’ll assure you of that. … She doesn’t want to leave. She wants to stand with us but she needs to be checked out.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Biden and Angel Reese appeared to squash their beef. Reese presented the Bidens with a custom LSU jersey before embracing the first lady, Dr. Jill Biden. Dr. Biden had been the primary target of Reese’s wrath after the National Championship Game. This was due to Dr. Biden’s comments that appeared to imply that she intended to invite National Runners-up Iowa to the White House as well. However, the two appear to have no bad blood now.

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George Floyd’s Sister LaTonya Says She Forgives His Killer Derek Chauvin

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Thursday (May 25) marked the three-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death, a Black man who was killed by white police officer Derek Chauvin after he was suspected of using a counterfeit 20-dollar bill. His unjust murder led to a wave of protests, calls for reform, and a widespread resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, whose story spans centuries back and continues to be a crucial fight for social equality and justice to this day. Recently, Floyd’s sister LaTonya reflected on Chauvin’s actions during a documentary screening on a statue dedicated to Floyd. Her remarks caused conversation among communities, but were nonetheless powerful.

“America might think I’m crazy for saying this, but I have to get this off my chest,” LaTonya Floyd told FOX 26. “At this point, three years down the line, I do forgive Derek Chauvin for what he did. It’s not okay that he did it, okay? But I have to forgive him in order to move forth with my life. I’ve been running around in circles, he’ll tell you, I have been going through a whole lot. If that higher power don’t forgive us, we’re nothing, we’re lost, we’re out of there.

Read More: Adidas To Donate Yeezy Proceeds To ADL & George Floyd Foundation

George Floyd’s Sister Forgives Derek Chauvin

“I can’t keep living my life with this anger that’s going to form to hate, such as he had,” she continued. “It’s going to lead to me doing something like that because I’m mad, I’m angry. I can’t live with that in me. So I pray for him and I pray that he finds peace within himself. I pray that next time he kneel down, he’s kneeling down to help someone up and not hold them down. God has a plan for everybody. I pray for Derek and I do forgive you. If you are listening, may the peace of God be with you man.”

Many believe that such acts should never be forgiven, as social media discussion of her message indicates. Chauvin is currently serving his 22-and-a-half-year sentence for the incident. However, the most important voice in each victim’s stories is that of their families. After so much pain and suffering, but also progress and awareness following their loved one’s passing, the Floyd family is healing in their own ways. Rest In Peace George Floyd, and deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and all those who fought and keep fighting for justice.

Read More: Lil Baby Accompanies George Floyd’s Family To The White House

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Trump’s Alleged Mistress Spills Details On Affair

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Karen McDougal was just a pre-K teacher who entered a swimsuit contest. That was the first domino in a chain that lead all the way to the 2016 Presidential Election. That swimsuit contest led to a Playboy test shoot with veteran photographer David Mecey. Eventually, McDougal would end up as both Miss December 1997 and 1998’s Playmate of the Year.

According to McDougal, she first met Donald Trump at the Playboy Mansion in 2006. That would lead to a ten-month affair that ended in 2007. For context, Trump married his third wife Melania in 2005. McDougal initially told friends about the affair but the story largely stayed out of the mainstream news. That was until Donald Trump announced he was running for President. This led AMI, the parent company of right-wing media outlet National Enquirer, to conduct an hours-long interview with McDougal. Furthermore, McDougal was paid $150,000 for her story but National Enquirer never published the story. Now McDougal has given an exclusive interview to The Daily Mail.

McDougal Paints New Picture Of Trump

SIMI VALLEY, CA – MARCH 30: Playmates Katie Lohmann (top) and Karen McDougal attend the 7th Annual Playboy Golf Scramble championship finals at Lost Canyons Golf Club on March 30, 2007 in Simi Valley, California. (Photo by Chad Buchanan/Getty Images)

McDougal’s first comments to the Mail were a reassertion that the affair did indeed happen. “His people have denied it, but he’s never denied it,” she said. “A reporter asked him: ‘Did you have an affair with Karen McDougal?’ and all he said was: ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.’ He knows I’m telling the truth.” Furthermore, as she has claimed in the past, their fling was more than casual. “I was in love with him. He was in love with me. I know that because he told me all the time. He’d say ‘You’re my baby and I love you’. He showed me off to his friends. I’m portrayed as the disgruntled woman, but I am not that woman. I ended it,” she says.

However, the most notable of McDougal’s comments were ones that painted Trump in a brand-new light. Trump has always been dismissive of the women he engaged in extramarital dealings with. He called porn star Stormy Daniels “horse face” while calling journalist E Carroll Jean, who has accused Trump of rape, a “wack job”. “He followed me around like a puppy dog, trying to get my attention,’ she says. ‘He took to me so much that the Bunny Mother said: ‘Wow, he really has a thing for you’. I was saying goodbye and he was standing next to his bodyguard Keith Schiller and he said, ‘Keith, get her number.’.” The former president is yet to respond to the new interview.

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Ice Cube Drags A Troll That Called Him Out For Republican Ties

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Ice Cube engaged in a fiery exchange with an internet troll who accused the rapper of promoting Republican voting. On Monday, an individual, evidently not a fan of the West Coast icon, took to Twitter to criticize Cube. They claimed that he only appeared “every four years” to encourage black people to vote for Republicans who “openly suppress the black vote.” Spotting the tweet, Cube swiftly fired back at the criticism. “I never told yo’ Black ass who to vote for,” the rapper said. “So stop lying and get that ‘click bait’ out’cha mouth.”

Over the years, the former N.W.A. rapper has been actively involved in political matters. In 2020, Ice Cube faced intense scrutiny when Katrina Pierson, an advisor to Donald Trump’s campaign, publicly acknowledged his assistance. Apparently, he took part in the former president’s Platinum Plan. Subsequently, Cube had to do damage control by confirming his collaboration with Trump. However, he was aiming to advance his Contract With Black America (CWBA) initiative.

Read More: Ice Cube’s Greatest Acting Roles

Ice Cube Will Work With Whoever He Needs To In Order To Help The Black Community

At that time, Cube tweeted, “Let me get this straight, I get the president of the United States to agree to put over half a trillion dollars of capital in the Black Community (without an endorsement) and n***as are mad at me? Have a nice life.” Despite the backlash, Cube later revealed that he was approached by Joe Biden’s camp after Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. The new president was seeking his support in implementing the CWBA initiative. Cube emphasized that the ultimate goal was to pressure candidates to incorporate elements of his plan, which received widespread agreement, into their agendas.

In addition to his ties with Republicans, Ice Cube has faced longstanding accusations of antisemitism. He has been an outspoken supporter of Louis Farrakhan, a prominent religious leader known for his antisemitic views. In 2015, Cube was accused of allegedly instructing his entourage to assault a rabbi. Moreover, during the peak of the pandemic in 2020, Cube drew criticism for sharing memes that implied Jewish people were responsible for causing disruptions in the country. Cube defended these memes, referring to them as “pro-Black.” What do you think of Ice Cube’s response to the troll? Let us know in the comments!

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Yung Miami Responds To Fan Urging Her To Do More About Florida’s Political Issues

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As one of the biggest artists from Florida right now, Yung Miami is looked at as not just a star, but also as a representative, whether she likes it or not. Moreover, her name recently formed part of another debate on whether artists should do more to address political and social issues in their home states, cities, or communities. “Caresha ain’t doing enough for me when it come to what is going on in Florida,” one user expressed on Twitter. “Same with the rest of the rappers from Florida. But she was my fav.” However, the City Girl expressed that she, for one, has her own problems to deal with but, more importantly, can’t do much about the state’s problems.

“Pls tell me wtf I’m supposed to do hen I got my own problems?” Yung Miami responded on the social media platform. “Tf Florida ain’t my kid.” For those unaware, the state went through some conservative-leaning changes through anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and other controversies under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis. His conflicts with Disney over protected speech and jurisdiction also nabbed him a lawsuit from the entertainment titans. Overall, for marginalized communities and the less privileged, things in Florida are getting more tense by the minute, especially after DeSantis officially filed to run for President of the United States in 2024.

Read More: Yung Miami Net Worth 2023: What Is The City Girls Star Worth?

Yung Miami Asks What She Can Even Do With Florida’s Sociopolitical Strife

Still, this doesn’t answer the original tweet’s implied question: what can celebrities do in the face of these issues? Of course, their large platform enables them a built-in audience and power to make these struggles more public. On the other hand, though, these individuals pursued just about every other avenue except the political realm. As such, many likely believe that they shouldn’t have to add social responsibility to that pile. While Yung Miami probably cares quite deeply about problems affecting her community, she is just an artist at the end of the day, even if many rightfully believe her voice means so much more than a lack of action.

Regardless, Caresha is quite busy with a lot of stuff right now, including a recently sprouted spat with Nicki Minaj. Meanwhile, Florida residents see themselves polarized to either end with such drastic and strong condemnations and restrictions of identity and ideology. Hopefully the 29-year-old uses her platform for good, whether through overt activism or by continuing to represent her community with grace wherever she goes. One thing’s for sure: Florida could really use a leader like her right now. For more news and the latest updates on Yung Miami, log back into HNHH.

Read More: City Girls’ Best Collaborations, From Doja Cat To Moneybagg Yo

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to Announce 2024 Presidential Campaign in Twitter Spaces Event with Elon Musk

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is ready to announce his 2024 presidential campaign. The announcement will be part of a Twitter conversation with the platform’s owner Elon Musk on Wednesday evening.

According to NBC News, DeSantis will instantly become the main opposition in the Republican party to former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.

The conversation will occur over the Twitter Spaces audio chat platform, scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET. The conversation with be moderated by another tech entrepreneur David Sacks. The 2024 DeSantis campaign video will launch the same evening as the conversation. After the Memorial Day weekend, DeSantis is expected to travel the country for his campaign.

For better or worse, the Twitter spaces will blend a rising Republican name and a powerful tech mogul. Previously, Musk invited Trump back to Twitter following his acquisition. Musk reportedly believes that Trump can’t regain control of the White House, opting to align with a future candidate.

None of the alleged parties involved in Wednesday evening’s event has commented.

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